Classes

All classes are included with private lesson tuition. Ask your teacher what classes are appropriate for you!

See below for class descriptions and for schedules by week or by class. For current students, there is no registration for regular weekly classes; feel free to just drop in!

Table of Contents

Schedules
Our Philosophy
Pre-Twinkle
CAD Improvisation
Suzuki Repertoire
Orchestra
Fiddle & Folk Music
Vocal Ensembles
Music Theory

Weekly Schedule

  • 6:30 - 7:30 pm

    • Music Theory

  • 5:45 - 6:30 pm

    • Basic and Intermediate Improvisation

    • Improvisation for Adults

    6:30 - 7:15 pm

    • Suzuki Violin - Mixed Levels

    • Suzuki Cello - Advanced

  • 9:30 - 10:15 am

    • CAD Arts Program

    10:00 - 10:30 am

    • Beginner Fiddle & Folk

    10:30 - 11:15 am

    • Suzuki Violin - Mixed Levels

    • Suzuki Cello - Beginner and Intermediate

    • Suzuki Viola

    11:15 am - 12:00 pm

    • Basic & Intermediate Improvisation

    12:00 - 12:45 pm

    • Reading Orchestra

    12:45 - 1:30 pm

    • Intermediate and Advanced Fiddle & Folk

    2:30 - 4:00 pm

    • Kanack School String Orchestra

    4:00 - 6:00 pm

    • Advanced Improvisation and Tour Group

  • Mozart Singers (Ages 5-7)

    • Sundays, 1:00 - 1:50 pm

    Bach Children’s Chorus (Ages 7-15, by audition)

    • Sundays, 3:00 - 4:45 pm

Schedule by Class

Our Philosophy

Because the Kanack School is founded on a combined philosophy of Creative Ability Development and the Suzuki Method, we strongly believe groups classes are crucial to the growth of musical artistry. We offer CAD improvisation classes, Suzuki repertoire classes, orchestra, fiddle, band and chamber coaching, music theory and composition, and other classes as students show interest. These classes not only help to develop their musical talent, but also to grow social skills that will aid them throughout life. We offer our group classes at no additional charge to private lesson tuition so that every student has the same access to these important opportunities.

Pre-Twinkle

Violin and Cello Classes – A 10-week course to introduce both the student and parent to the world of violin or cello lessons. With a strong focus on improvisation using Alice Kanack’s Playing From the Heart, students begin creating music from the very beginning playing with backing tracks while being introduced to the skills that will prepare them to begin playing Suzuki repertoire.

This class is perfect for students around ages 3-8 but is open to older and as young as 2 if appropriate.  After the 10-week course students and parents will be ready to be assigned to a teacher and begin private lessons. 

Sessions are often offered beginning in Setpember/October, January/February, and Spring/Summer. Contact us to find out when the next session is being offered.

  • PreTwinkle Cello –
    Saturdays, 9:30 – 10:30am

  • PreTwinkle Violin –
    Saturdays, 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Jean S.

“I have sent my children here, my grandchildren, and now I take lessons too!”

Photo by Norah Gebel

Creative Ability Development Improvisation

Creative Ability Development is a method developed by Alice Kanack and centered here at the Kanack School, gaining popularity worldwide. Through the use of musical and other kinds of improvisation, students develop their creativity, grow their social skills and confidence, and learn how to express their own unique personalities according to their own taste.  Available for all instruments at different levels, these popular classes have a huge impact on student growth. 

The most important rule: “There is no such thing as a mistake!”

  • CAD Pre-School Arts Program

    This class uses visual art, storytelling, movement, and musical improvisation to develop the creative, intellectual, and social growth of our youngest students.  Designed for students 3-5 this class is also open to and popular with older students.

    Photo by Norah Gebel

  • Beginner Level

    Students play music games where they improvise together in groups.  Students are rarely exposed and are able to feel comfortable trying new things and discovering what sounds they enjoy. 

    Photo by Zander Pickens

  • Intermediate Level

    Games from the beginner and basic level are adapted and new games are introduced that allow students to have moments where they stand out.  While still playing in groups these students are now more comfortable improvising and having their voices be heard.

    Photo by Norah Gebel

  • Advanced Level

    Students at the advanced level are comfortable and eager to share their voices.  Games are used for warm-up and students create performance pieces, improvised chamber music, and more.

  • Tour Group

    The CAD Tour Group travels away from home to demonstrate the CAD Method at conferences and concerts. Students may be invited to join Tour Group once they are fluent in improvisation and ready to engage in high levels of musical trust and adaptability with their classmates. The Tour Group has previously traveled to give performances across the United States and Canada.

  • CAD Improvisation for Adults

    CAD is for everyone! Students can work on the creative side of their brains at any age. Join other adult students looking to develop their own creativity.

The Three Rules
of Creative Ability Development

  • There is no such thing as a mistake.

    Anyone who interrupts a creator’s flow — by offering suggestions or criticisms — becomes the creator by virtue of their criticism. Therefore, criticism is not allowed.

  • Silence and Applause. We listen when others are creating and we applaud them when they are done.

    All creativity is built on creations which came before; therefore, we listen when someone shares their ideas and thank them by applauding those ideas. CAD classrooms are full of joyful applause and respect for the ideas of others.

  • Never criticize a friend (and we’re all friends).

    Since there is no such thing as a mistake, no one is ever allowed to criticize another person.

  • Children who are raised in this environment:

    • Learn to collaborate and create with others

    • Learn to respect each other’s ideas

    • Have a high self-esteem

    • Are easily able to express themselves

CAD Class Schedule

  • CAD Arts Pre-School Class —
    Saturdays, 9:00 am — 10:15 am

  • CAD Beginner Class —
    Thursdays, 5:45 — 6:30 pm

  • CAD Intermediate Class —
    Saturdays, 11:15 am — 12:00 pm

  • CAD Advanced Class & Tour Group
    Saturdays, 4:00 — 6:00 pm

Suzuki Repertoire

Dr. Suzuki’s brilliant and humanitarian method of instrumental study claims, “Man is the son of his environment,” and, “All children can learn.” The Kanack School of Music strives to create an environment where all children can learn. The Suzuki method requires active participation on the part of the parents as well as the students. Private and group lessons, daily home practice and listening with parental supervision are all requirements of the method. Initially, parents are trained along with the children to provide them with knowledge and confidence necessary for success.

The Kanack School constantly offers the Suzuki approach on violin, viola, cello and piano. We will accept children as young as 2 years of age into this program. While this method may be used at any age, starting as young as possible is highly recommended to enhance a child’s ability to develop their ears and set strong foundations for later technical facility. All Suzuki teachers at the Kanack School are certified with the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

  • Suzuki Repertoire —
    Thursdays, 6:30 — 7:15 pm
    Saturdays, 10:30 — 11:15 am

Photo by Norah Gebel

Photo by Azalea Dietz

Orchestra

Open to all strings, and other instruments with instructor permission.

Beginner Orchestra is for students in Books 2-4. They should have some experience reading music, but do not need to have mastered that skill (this orchestra is meant to help with that!). Music is chosen to be challenging but fun and help develop skills of note reading, playing in an ensemble where you have to fit you part in with other parts, counting, listening, dynamics, and much much more.

The Kanack School String Orchestra (KSSO) is open to students in book 4 and up. This group plays a high level of music and helps to develop expression, musicality, and sensitivity. This group mostly performs without a conductor, encouraging more focused communication between its players. Solo opportunities are often available.

  • Reading Orchestra —
    Saturdays, 12:00 — 12:45 pm

  • KSSO —
    Saturdays, 2:30 — 4:00 pm

Photo by Azalea Dietz

Fiddle & Folk Music

Open to all instruments. Students learn tunes in multiple styles and learn how to play backup and develop a tune into a great performance. Tunes are taught by ear and reading music is not a required skill.

Beginner Fiddle and Folk Music is meant for students from “Etude” in Suzuki Book 1 through Book 4 or equivalent.

Intermediate Fiddle and Folk Music is meant for students in Book 4 and up or equivalent.

Advanced Fiddle and Folk musicians can register to be placed in a band that will be scheduled based on the availability of members, a coach, and rooms.

  • Beginner Fiddle and Folk Music —
    Saturdays, 10:00 — 10:30 am

  • Intermediate Fiddle and Folk Music —
    Saturdays, 12:45 — 1:30 pm

Photo by Azalea Dietz

Bach Children's Chorus

The Bach Children’s Chorus is Upstate New York’s premier children’s vocal ensemble. The program is comprised of classroom preparation for concerts in the community. BCC has performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Madrigalia, and the Rochester Oratorio Society, and in such venues as Eastman Kodak Hall and Blue Cross Arena.

Bach Children’s Chorus meets on Sundays, 3:00 — 4:45 pm.

An audition is required for participation.

Audition Process: 

An audition will last approximately 20 minutes during which the student will work with Ms. Karla Krogstad doing vocal warmups, and singing a prepared song (Follow the Drinking Gourd — music and recording below). The child will be expected to sing the prepared piece from memory. Children will be encouraged at the audition, not simply tested. Our goal is acceptance, not rejection!

Karla Krogstad,
Bach Children’s Chorus Director

Music Theory

This is a class which explores musical construction of western classical music through singing, listening, composing, and building language around musical concepts. Topics of focus include harmony, chords, solfege, key signatures, scales, intervals, and analysis. This class aims to enable students to successfully take the AP Music Theory Exam, to use theory to advance students’ ideas around musical improvisation, and to articulate musical motion fluently in performance through an understanding of theoretical construction.

AP Music Theory is for advanced students planning to take the AP Music Theory Exam in the spring. Please note that KSMA cannot offer the AP Exam itself and students must register with their local school.

  • AP Music Theory —
    Tuesdays, 6:30 — 7:30 pm

  • Introduction to Music Theory —
    TBD